I founded NANAKO in 2020 during the pandemic, but my love for undergarments goes back to my pre-teen years. I’ve always been drawn to the soft, buttery feel of cotton against my skin and cherished trips to shop for underwear and bras with my mom, it felt like a special rituals. As I grew older, I explored different fabrics, including polyester blends. While those often featured fancier designs, nothing compared to the pure comfort of natural fibers—they just felt right.

In 2019, I became more aware of the importance of making sustainable choices in fashion. While eco-conscious brands were gaining momentum, I noticed a gap—there were few, if any, sustainable options for undergarments. Most alternatives were produced by international brands, making them expensive and less accessible.

That’s when the idea for NANAKO was born. The thought of designing and wearing my own undergarments excited me, but the real challenge was sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials. Large manufacturers weren’t an option due to high minimum order requirements and my small scale, so I turned to smaller suppliers. Though their selections were limited, I found fabrics that aligned with my values—such as TENCEL™ by LENZING™ and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton, which im using right now for most of my designs. However, sourcing remains an ongoing challenge, as availability fluctuates and often requires me to switch suppliers.

For me, NANAKO is more than just about making beautiful and comfortable undergarments. It’s about crafting pieces that are mindful of both people and the planet—reducing waste, supporting ethical production, and staying true to a vision of sustainability.

Right now, NANAKO is a one-woman operation. I personally handle every aspect of the business—from sourcing materials and designing each piece to packaging and shipping every order. But this is just the beginning. My long-term dream is to grow NANAKO into a small, passionate community of like-minded individuals who share my values and are dedicated to reimagining what undergarments can be.